St David’s Marist Inanda in Johannesburg has honoured its former student, Proteas cricket captain Temba Bavuma, with a spirited war cry celebration after South Africa’s national team clinched the World Test Championship title.
St David’s Marist Inanda perform war cry in honour of Temba Bavuma
The school’s performance took place shortly after the Proteas’ historic victory over Australia in the final at Lord’s cricket ground in London on Saturday, 14 June 2025.
It marks South Africa’s first International Cricket Council (ICC) trophy in 27 years.
A war cry is a traditional chant or performance used in many South African schools to show pride and unity.
It is usually loud, energetic and performed in groups to support a team or celebrate an achievement. In this case, the war cry by St David’s was in recognition of Bavuma’s role in leading the national team to victory.
The match itself was a high-pressure contest, with South Africa needing to chase 282 runs in the fourth innings — a difficult target, especially at Lord’s, known for its tough playing conditions.
On the final day, South Africa needed 69 runs to win with eight wickets in hand. The team successfully reached the target with five wickets to spare.
Aiden Markram was named player of the match for his 136 runs, but it was Bavuma’s leadership and 66-run contribution — despite playing with a hamstring injury — that drew widespread respect. Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs to secure one of South Africa’s most memorable Test victories.
In a post-match press conference, Bavuma responded to questions about the “chokers” label often attached to the Proteas in global tournaments. He dismissed the tag, saying, “It’s not something we ever spoke about in the group. We’ve always believed in our abilities and just kept knocking on that door. Eventually, it opened.”
Bavuma added:
“There’s a responsibility when you wear the Proteas badge, but the idea that we needed this win to lose a label — that wasn’t part of our mindset.”
St David’s Marist Inanda’s tribute adds a personal note to Bavuma’s journey. The school’s enthusiastic war cry, shared widely on social media, celebrates not only the national triumph but the local pride in one of their own reaching such a milestone.
“He’s always led from the front,” said Markram, acknowledging Bavuma’s steady influence on the team throughout the tournament.
The Proteas returned to South Africa on Wednesday, 18 June, to a warm welcome. Bavuma’s story — from high school cricketer to national captain and ICC trophy winner — continues to inspire young athletes, especially at his alma mater.
